Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sootilless growing media utilize inorganic, inert substrates like vermiculite and perlite to provide aeration, water-holding capacity, and structural support to developing roots.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
Statement I Analysis: Vermiculite is a natural silicate mineral (mica) that undergoes significant expansion (exfoliation) when heated to high temperatures ($800 - 1000^\circ\text{C}$).
The resulting expanded material is extremely lightweight, sterile, and possesses high water-holding and nutrient-retention capacity due to its high cation exchange capacity (CEC).
It is widely used as a primary ingredient in rooting and germination media. Thus, Statement I is true.
Statement II Analysis: Perlite is a volcanic glass (siliceous rock) that is also expanded by heat to form white, highly porous, lightweight particles.
It is exceptionally light and is used specifically to improve drainage and aeration in potting mixes.
It is not a "heavy rock material" nor does it easily sediment; in fact, due to its low density, it is extremely light and has a tendency to float to the surface when watered. Thus, Statement II is false.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement I is true but Statement II is false, which corresponds to option (C).